Pearl Study Guide
The Pearl—by John Steinbeck
Study Guide
Directions: Answer the following questions below, and respond thoroughly and in complete sentences.
Chapter 1
1. What is an oral tradition?
2. Define the word “parable.”
3. Identify each of the following characters below by (1) their relationship to one another and (2) what can be inferred about their personalities thus far.
a. Kino –
b. Juana –
c. Coyotito –
d. Juan Tomas –
e. Apolonia –
4. Describe Kino’s family’s living condition.
They live in very poor condition. They have a brush house and old, ragged clothing. They eat the same meal of corn cakes almost every day because that is all they can afford.
5. Describe the tragic event that happens to Coyotito (inciting incident).
A scorpion stings him on the shoulder.
6. Why did the townspeople believe the doctor would not come to treat Coyotito?
They believed the doctor would not come because Kino had no money to pay him.
7. Identify two characteristics that can be inferred about the doctor. Cite an example supporting each characteristic.
He is selfish – he will not treat someone unless they are able to pay him.
He sees Kino and his people as beneath him – when he is told of Coyotito’s wound he makes the comment that he is a doctor, not a veterinarian.
8. How would you react to the doctor’s refusal if you were Kino or Juana? Why?
Chapter 2
1. What are Kino’s and Juana’s occupations? They are pearl divers.
2. What does Kino’s canoe symbolize? Cite an example from supporting your answer.
The canoe symbolizes his heritage because it was passed down from his grandfather. It also represents his ability to provide because it is said a man with a canoe can promise a woman she will have something to eat.
3. Why do Kino’s people sing songs?
They have no written stories so the songs are a way of passing down their culture.
4. What song does Kino hear in this chapter? What song did Kino hear in the previous chapter before the scorpion stung Coyotito?
Study Guide
Directions: Answer the following questions below, and respond thoroughly and in complete sentences.
Chapter 1
1. What is an oral tradition?
2. Define the word “parable.”
3. Identify each of the following characters below by (1) their relationship to one another and (2) what can be inferred about their personalities thus far.
a. Kino –
b. Juana –
c. Coyotito –
d. Juan Tomas –
e. Apolonia –
4. Describe Kino’s family’s living condition.
They live in very poor condition. They have a brush house and old, ragged clothing. They eat the same meal of corn cakes almost every day because that is all they can afford.
5. Describe the tragic event that happens to Coyotito (inciting incident).
A scorpion stings him on the shoulder.
6. Why did the townspeople believe the doctor would not come to treat Coyotito?
They believed the doctor would not come because Kino had no money to pay him.
7. Identify two characteristics that can be inferred about the doctor. Cite an example supporting each characteristic.
He is selfish – he will not treat someone unless they are able to pay him.
He sees Kino and his people as beneath him – when he is told of Coyotito’s wound he makes the comment that he is a doctor, not a veterinarian.
8. How would you react to the doctor’s refusal if you were Kino or Juana? Why?
Chapter 2
1. What are Kino’s and Juana’s occupations? They are pearl divers.
2. What does Kino’s canoe symbolize? Cite an example from supporting your answer.
The canoe symbolizes his heritage because it was passed down from his grandfather. It also represents his ability to provide because it is said a man with a canoe can promise a woman she will have something to eat.
3. Why do Kino’s people sing songs?
They have no written stories so the songs are a way of passing down their culture.
4. What song does Kino hear in this chapter? What song did Kino hear in the previous chapter before the scorpion stung Coyotito?